Contents 2ContentsNotes on this Owner's
Manual
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls and displays
. . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments and
warning/indicator lamps
. . . . . . .
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . .
Driver information system
. . . . . .
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service interval display . . . . . . . . . .
On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lap timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speed warning function . . . . . . . . .
Notes and symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doors and windows
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote control keys . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . .
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and vision
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clear vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear-view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manually adjustable front seats . .
Electrically adjustable front seats
Bucket seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and electrical
socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . .
Heating and cooling
. . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window heating . . . . . . . . .
Seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . .
Audi magnetic ride . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Launch control programme . . . . . .
Steering wheel with paddle levers
Backup programme . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HomeLink
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correct sitting positions . . . . . . . . .
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing luggage safely . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why is it so important to use seat
belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forces acting in a collision . . . . . .
How to wear seat belts properly .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of airbag system . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating the airbags . . . . . . . . 5
7
9
9
10
10
15
20
20
21
22
24
27
31
33
40
40
42
47
48
5052
52
57
58
59
63
65
67
67
68
70
71
72
72
72
73
75
75
79
80
81
81
81
82
83
83
85
86
88
90
90
91
92
9293
93
94
95
95
101
102
102
104
107
108
109
109
110
112
114
115
115
116
118
120
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 2 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13
Contents3
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Child safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Points to remember if children are
travelling in the car . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fitting child safety seats . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stabilisation program
(ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear spoiler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four-wheel drive (quattro®) . . . . . .
Dry sump lubrication system . . . .
Your vehicle and the
environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control systems . . . . . . .
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sporty driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . .
General maintenance
. .
Care of vehicle and cleaning
. . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel and filling the tank
. . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and topping up fluidsEngine lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheels and tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre pressure monitoring system .
Accessories and modifications
to the vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, replacement parts and
repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio transmitters and business
equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repairing a tyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing away . . .
Fuses and bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical data
. . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle identification data . . . . . . .
Performance, weights and
dimensions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R8 4.2 quattro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
122
123
126
131
132
132
134
134
136
136
137
138
138
138
138
139
139143
144
144
144
147
152
152
152
155
155
157
159
161
162
164
166
166
172
174
174
174
175177
178
178
178
182
185
187
190
190
193
195
196
196
196
198
198
198
199
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Controls and displays9
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Controls and displaysOverview
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door handle
Central locking switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric adjuster for exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switches for
−Unlocking the luggage lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Unlocking the fuel tank flap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for turn signals and main beam headlights . . . .
Steering wheel with:
−Horn
−Driver's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Controls for audio, telephone and speech dialogue
system
−Paddle levers for manual gearshift (R tronic) . . . . . .
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Levers and switches for:
−Windscreen wipers and washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Menu display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Lap timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Speed warning function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Navigation system
Lockable glove box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear lever/selector lever for:
−Manual gearbox
−R tronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls for:
−Audi magnetic ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . .
−Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Automatic rear spoiler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Audi parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray, cigarette lighter/socket
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustable steering column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine lid lock release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
•
Separate operating instructions are enclosed if the vehicle is
equipped with a factory-fitted navigation system.
•
The arrangement of switches and controls on right-hand drive
models* may be slightly different from the layout shown in
⇒page 8, fig. 1. However, the symbols used to identify the controls
are the same.
A1
50
A2A3
45
A4
64
A5
47
152
A6
77
A7
52
A8
56
A9
116
93
A10
10
A11
59
22
24
27
31
A12A13
73
A14
116
A15
79
A16
75
A17
90
A18
88
132
56
134
85
A19A20
83
A21
81
A22
81
A23
86
A24
55
A25
155
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 9 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13
Driver information system 38The message disappears after 5 seconds. Press the adjuster/test
button ⇒page 10, fig. 2 briefly if you wish to call up the message
again.
If the display indicates that one of the lights is not working, this can
have a number of causes:•
Bulb failure ⇒page 193.
•
A “blown” fuse ⇒page 190, “Changing fuses”.
•
Defective electrical wiring.
Have the components replaced or the wiring repaired as necessary
by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
•
Bulbs are sensitive to pressure. The glass can break when you
touch the bulb, causing injury.
•
Incorrect handling of the high-voltage element of xenon gas-
discharge bulbs can have potentially fatal consequences.
Brake light failure
If the symbol
or the text BRAKE LIGHT lights up, check the
following components:
•
Brake light bulbs
•
Wiring connections
•
Brake light switch
Have the components repaired or replaced by a qualified workshop.Note
The brake light switch is only tested during the initial systems check
after starting the engine.
Applies to vehicles: with light sensor/ rain sensorLight sensor/rain sensor
This indicator lamp comes on if the automatic headlights/
automatic wipers are defective.If the
symbol appears, this means that the light sensor/ rain
sensor is not functioning. For safety reasons, the dipped beam
headlights will then be switched on permanently when the light
switch is set to the AUTO position. However, you can still switch the
lights on and off in the normal way with the light switch. If the rain
sensor is defective, the functions operated via the windscreen wiper
lever will still be available. You should have the light sensor/ rain
sensor checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Applies to vehicles: with R tronicSelector lever defective
and
Selector lever defective! No R gear!
If these symbols light up, there is a fault in the R tronic selector
lever. The indicators on the selector lever will go out or flash. It is no
longer possible to engage reverse gear. If you were using the
gearbox in manual mode, it will switch back to automatic mode.
You can continue to change gear manually. Starting in neutral (N),
pull the paddle lever on the steering wheel to engage first gear.
The gearbox will now remain in manual mode and you can select the
gears using the paddle levers.
You should have the selector lever checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.
Applies to vehicles: with R tronicClutch overheating
and
Clutch is overheating ! If possible please stop vehicle.
A8
A+
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Doors and windows 40Doors and windowsRemote control keysSet of keysThe set of keys for your vehicle ⇒fig. 32 includes:
two remote control keys
one spare key
Remote control key
The remote control key will lock and unlock the car via the central
locking system and start the engine. Press the release button ⇒fig. 32 (arrow) to make the key spring out of the handle and to fold
it back in.
Spare key
The spare key should be used only temporarily if the remote control
key has been misplaced or lost.
Replacing a key
If one of the keys has been lost, you should take the vehicle to an
Audi R8 dealer to have the remote control coding for that key deac-
tivated. For this purpose you should bring all available keys with
you.
It is also important to notify your insurance company if a key has
been lost.
Checking the key battery level
The indicator lamp ⇒fig. 33 lights up as soon as you press one of
the buttons. If the indicator lamp does not light up or flash, this
means the battery is exhausted and must be replaced.
Changing the battery ⇒page 41.
WARNING
•
Always switch off the ignition and take the key with you when
leaving the vehicle - even if you only intend to be gone for a short
time. This is especially important if children are left in the car. They
might otherwise be able to start the engine or use power-operated
equipment such as the electric windows - this could lead to inju-
ries.
•
Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the
ignition key from the lock. Otherwise the steering lock could
engage suddenly, causing an accident.
Fig. 32 Set of keysF i g . 3 3 R e m o t e c o n t r o l
key: Indicator lamp
AAAB
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Lights and vision57
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Headlight flasher
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the
flasher.
Parking lights
– Switch off the ignition.
– Move the lever up or down to turn on the right or left-
hand parking lights respectively.Notes on these functions•
The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The
corresponding indicator lamp
or
flashes in the instrument
cluster ⇒page 15.
•
The turn signals are cancelled automatically when the steering
wheel is returned to the straight-ahead position.
•
The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped
beam headlights are already on. The main beam headlight indicator
lamp then comes on in the instrument cluster.
•
The headlight flasher comes on for as long as you pull the lever –
even if no other lights are switched on. The main beam headlight
indicator lamp
then comes on in the instrument cluster.
•
When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight and the
rear light on one side of the car light up with reduced intensity. The
parking lights will only work with the ignition off. A warning buzzer
will sound for as long as the driver's door is open.Caution
Do not use the main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if this
would dazzle oncoming traffic.
Interior lightsInterior lights
The interior light also incorporates the reading lights for
the driver and front passenger.Activating the courtesy light function
– Press switch . The diode in the switch will light up.
Deactivating the courtesy light function
– Press switch . The diode in the switch will go out.
Front reading lights
– Press the switches to switch the left and right reading
lights on and off.If the switch is in the courtesy light position, the interior light comes
on automatically when the vehicle is unlocked or the doors are
opened. The light also comes on when the key is pulled out of the
ignition. It goes out approximately 30 seconds after the doors are
closed. The interior light is switched off immediately when the
vehicle is locked or when the ignition is switched on.
Fig. 52 Detail of head-
liner: Interior lights
AAAA
AB
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Driving81
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
DrivingSteeringAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be
adjusted as required to suit the driver.–Push the lever ⇒fig. 71 down ⇒.
– Move the steering wheel to the desired position.
– Then push the lever towards the steering column until
the catch engages.
WARNING
•
Never adjust the position of the steering wheel when the
vehicle is moving - this could cause an accident.
•
For safety reasons, the lever must be securely engaged in its
top position to prevent the steering wheel from accidentally
changing position while driving, which could cause an accident.
Ignition lockIgnition lock
The ignition key is used to start and switch off the engine.Ignition off
In position ⇒fig. 72 the ignition and the engine are switched off,
and the steering wheel lock can be engaged.
To engage the steering wheel lock, take out the key and turn the
wheel until you hear the pin engage. You should always engage the
steering lock when you leave the vehicle. This will help to deter theft
⇒.
Ignition on (normal running position)
The needles in the instrument cluster will sweep across the dials
once after you switch on the ignition.
If the key is difficult to turn in the lock, move the steering wheel (to
take the load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key turns
freely.
Fig. 71 Lever beneath
steering column
Fig. 72 Ignition key
positions
A1
A1
A2
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Driving 82Starting the engine
Turn the key to this position to start the engine. While the engine is
being started the headlights are switched back to side lights and
other major electrical equipment is switched off. After the engine
has started the ignition key returns to position by itself.
The ignition key has to be turned back to position before re-
starting the engine. The starter inhibitor in the ignition lock
prevents the starter motor from engaging when the engine is
running, as this could cause damage.
WARNING
•
Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the
ignition key from the lock. Otherwise the steering lock could
engage suddenly, which could cause an accident.
•
Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle – even
if you only intend to be gone for a short time. This is especially
important if children are left in the car. They might otherwise be
able to start the engine or use power-operated equipment such as
the electric windows - this could lead to injuries.Note
If the battery has been disconnected and then reconnected it will be
necessary to leave the key in position for about 5 seconds before
starting the engine.Starting the engineThe engine can only be started with an original Audi key.On vehicles with R tronic, the engine can be started in
neutral (N) or in any gear (1 - 6 or R).
– Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒.– Push the clutch pedal all the way down (vehicles with
manual gearbox).
– Press and hold the brake pedal.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 81, fig. 72
without pressing the accelerator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the
starter motor must not be allowed to run on with the
engine. Neutral gear (N) will be engaged on vehicles with
Rtronic.
When starting from cold the engine may be a little noisy for the first
few seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic tappets.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If the engine fails to start straight-away, switch off the starter after
about 10 seconds and try again after about half a minute.
WARNING
•
Never run the engine in confined spaces. The exhaust gases are
toxic.
•
If the engine is running and a gear is engaged, you will need to
hold the car with the footbrake.Caution
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load conditions
until the engine has reached its normal operating temperature,
otherwise this can damage the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine when the vehicle is stationary. You
should drive off immediately whenever possible. This will help avoid
unnecessary exhaust emissions.
A3
A2A1
A2
A3
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